The Story of Chaplain Kapaun, Patriot Priest of the Korean Conflict

Book excerpt: "His unparalleled courage and leadership inspired all those present, including those who might have otherwise fled in panic, to remain and fight the enemy until captured." Medal of Honor Citation Captain Emil Kapaun, Chaplain of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, was one of the heroes of the Korean War. In the face of overwhelming odds he aided his fellow soldiers, spiritually and emotionally, through their darkest days. Indeed, such was his impact on his comrades that they described him as "More than a man -- a Saint." Published only three years after his death, Arthur Tonne's fascinating biography captures the spirit of this wonderful man who endured unspeakable horrors and faced them all defiantly. Drawing upon the accounts of his friends, colleagues and family, along with numerous letters written to and from Kapaun, Tonne gives a vivid depiction of his life from his childhood, through to the moment he joined the Catholic Church, his travels across the world, his first days in the army and his final days in a prison camp in Korea. Arthur Tonne, demonstrates how deeply religious Father Kapaun was, but also how understanding and compassionate he was towards his fellow soldiers and prisoners who did not hold his faith. The testimonies of those who knew Father Kapaun in the battlefields of Korea are particularly moving. Pfc. Ernest J. Ritter "I'm sure there are hundreds of G. I.'s who will never forget what Father Kapaun has done for them. In their hearts they will always remember how he kept up the G. I.'s morale". The Story of Chaplain Kapaun, Patriot Priest of the Korean Conflict is a remarkable account of one Catholic's personal heroism that constantly gave hope to the soldier's around him. Arthur Tonne was an author and Catholic priest. He wrote numerous books during his lifetime and served the community of Pilsen for forty-nine years. This book was first published in 1954 and he died in 2003.